Cultural Heritage Tour of Kerala

Kalamandalam

Paliyam Dutch Palace

Kovlam Beach

Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple

Houseboat

Dutch Palace

Destination

Cochin – Thrissur – Cochin – Kumarakom

Day Wise Plan

Day 1 Arrival Cochin – Thrissur

Arrival Cochin airport, proceed to Thrissur, The cultural capital of Kerala is synonymous with the world famous and spectacular Pooram Festival (lunar calendar Jan/Feb). The abode of several prominent culture centers including the Kerala Kalamandalam – for Performing arts, Kerala Lalith Kala Academy – For paintings and visual arts, Kerala Sangeet and Nataka Academy – For Music and drama. The district is famous for its ancient temples, churches, and mosques. You can also witness the mural paintings in the Temples. Back to Hotel, Evening Mural painting workshop can be organised along with exhibition of Mural paintings by the local artist.

Day 2 Thrissur – Cochin (Via Muziris)

After Breakfast proceed to Cochin via Muziris. Muziris anglicised by Romans and Greeks is around the place called as Kodungaloor. Muziris, located 5 km south of Kodungalloor, is said to have been first occupied around 1,000 BC and continued to be active till the 10th century AD. Visit Paliyam palace, Paliyam Nallukettu, Chendamangalm synagogue, lunch at Indriya beach resort, also visit Kodungalur Bhagavathy temple. After the tour proceed to Fort Cochin via Vypin.

Day 3 In Cochin

Visit the Jewish Synagogue – The Jewish Synagogue in the port city of Kochi is the oldest synagogue in all the Commonwealth of Nations, the Dutch Palace: Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the Palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch, has an exquisite collection of murals and royal paraphernalia like weapons, swings and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family. Also visit the St. Francis Church and the Chinese fishing nets.

Then can enjoy an afternoon cooking demonstration at local residence followed by lunch. Demonstration of Henna painting Henna (Mehandi) is the big part of Indian culture and done on every big/little occasion.

In the evening experience Kathakali Dance Show at local theatre in Fort Cochin and see how the painstaking makeup is put up by artists for hours.

Day 4 Cochin – Kumarakom

After breakfast proceed to Kumarakom. Experience Kumarakom Beyond the backwater – The Experience an initiative by village women, this package will take you right into the simple life of villagers. Your journey will begin from Kandankavu, Kumarakom after a briefing session. Take to Kannadi Chal for canal ride in a country boat operated by two experienced women. Accompanying you will be a guide who will take you through the backwaters as well as the villages.

Stopover 1: Kandankavu

A 4S min boat ride will take you to Kandankavu. Enjoy Kumarakom’s unique biodiversity while you relax and watch a typical day in the village unfold.

Stopover 2: Creche

Your next stop is the local Anganwadi (Creche). Don’t miss this opportunity to interact with the teachers and kids studying there. The Anganwadi acts as the nodal centre for the implementation of various schemes of t he Government for the development of women and children.

Stopover 3: Bow & Arrow fishing

A little ahead you can see an interesting local practice, a traditional fishing technique using bows and arrows. As the guide explains the intricacies of this method, you can also try your luck at making a catch.

Stopover 4: Catch net fishing

Inland fishing practices have been around since time immemorial in this region. An elderly fisherman with a traditional craft and gear will take you fishing with catch nets and trawl nets to show you firsthand how it’s done.

Stopover 5: Leelamani’s house

Here, local women weave coconut leaves into roof thatching. These leaves provide very efficient thermal insulation to houses. Observe t he skill and speed wit h which they weave one leaf after another. Also, try your hand with expert guidance from the ladies here.

Stopover 6: Leela’s house

They make your way to a house nearby to see the making of brooms using the veins of coconut leaves. Your host, Leela, with the help of our guide, will explain the commercial aspects and techniques involved in broom making.

Stopover 7: Sosamma’s house

Using a locally abundant resource, the screw pine, Sosamma and her family weave amazing handicraft mats. Screw pines have an almost mythical reverence in the villages and traditional Kerala mats are made out of their leaves.

Stopover 8: Backyard garden

Homestead farming is a prevalent practice in Kerala. Familiarize yourself with the many crops found in the region as we go through the vegetable patch and participate in the farming activities. Also, taste the home grows fruits found there.

Stopover 9: Plantain orchard

You move on to the nearby plantain orchard managed by the local Kudumbashree unit. Kerala is known for the diverse variety of plantains cultivated, some of which can only be found in the state.

Stopover 10: Crafter’s corner

Your last visit will be to the house of a skilled artisan, who craft s beautiful snake boat models. Take one home as a complimentary souvenir from the Kumarakom responsible tourism team. You also have the opportunity to buy other exhibits on display. Then back to the hotel. Overnight stay at Kumarakom.

Day 5 Cochin Departure

Depart in time to Cochin International airport to connect onto your flight for home OR can spend couple of days at Marari Beach OR Kovlam beach.